Photos: 2013 Chrysler lineup a testament to company's turnaround

AUBURN HILLS, MI- Three years ago, as the automotive industry was collapsing, not many thought Chrysler could survive.

By all definitions, the Auburn Hills-based automaker was failing. The company was in the red with outdated products and an out-of-touch management.

However, that is no longer the case at Chrysler, and its 2013 product line proves it, according to officials.

“They’re very aggressive at what they’re doing and what they’re accomplishing,” said Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of TotalCarScore.com. “They are introducing some compelling technology to various vehicle segments.”

The technology in the vehicles – particularly in some of its newest models, such as the Dodge Dart and Ram 1500 – are extremely impressive, according to Brauer.

The Dart is the first of what Chrysler expects to be many models with its Tigershark engine, which the company considers its most refined four-cylinder powertrain ever.

“Chrysler Group is intensely focused on delivering unmatched value and performance in its transmissions,” said Mircea Gradu, vice president transmission powertrain and driveline engineering, head of powertrain virtual analysis tools.

Three new transmissions, including a sporty dual dry clutch transmission, launch with the Dart. The dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.0-liter Tigershark is 88 percent new, while the single-overhead-cam (SOHC) 2.4-liter version is 89 percent fresh.

Chrysler plans to increase its lineup’s fuel economy by 25 percent by 2014 with help from the Tigershark and its award-winning Pentastar V-6, which expands to 13 nameplates with the launch of the Ram 1500 – also the first full-size light-duty pickup to feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and stop-start technology.

Stop-start improves fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the truck comes to a complete stop. The system improves fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent, an increase of about one mile-per-gallon to the truck’s city drive cycle.

“The engine technology, the quality of the materials, the refinement of the drivetrain; everything about the cars feels modern and competitive,” Brauer said. “It feels like it’s representative on today’s automobile industry.”